Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast

William Klavon
  • 5.0 (7)
  • TV & Film
  • Updated Monthly

The Thursdeighties podcastwill explore memories of, and talk about the impact of, the 80’s - the good as well as the bad. I was 11 years old at the start of that decade, living in my rural hometown in middle America - Geneseo, Illinois - and I was 21, living in Chicago, by the decade’s end. The years between will live in my memory forever. Every day I am reminded of how they changed our world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Jul 16

    Thursdeighties Episode 31: The Show Must Go On with Billy Van Zandt

    Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the 80s...my guest, Billy Van Zandt, will give you even more reasons to make that trip back in time! He survived Jaws 2 (twice, in fact...they reshot his death scene "in case you die," said the producer, who was dead serious) and went on to build an incredibly prolific comedy writing career that has stood the test of time. And space - yep, Billy ALSO worked alongside Robert Wise and William Shatner in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (his character gets a mild scolding from Commander Uhura after he complains about Kirk taking over as captain, depriving Captain Will Decker of his first command...but giving all of us Star Trek fans exactly what we wanted to see - Captain Kirk, back on the bridge and in the center seat). But I digress. Billy wrote for great 80s sitcoms Newhart and Anything But Love, and spent 46 years as writing partner (and on-again-off-again everything else) with the late Jane Milmore — 25 plays together, an "ugly divorce" that turned into a lifelong creative marriage, and a catalog that's now running all over the world, from a state theater in Warsaw to a converted IMAX in Mexico City. We got into the Boomer Boys musical, talked a bit about his famous brother Stevie, he explains why he can't stand watching comedies for fun, and you'll hear a genuinely hilarious Sean Penn/Madonna wedding story (featuring aTom Cruise cameo). He's also got two books out (Get in the Car, Jane and Because It's Funny) with a third, The Cracker Jack Man, hitting bookshelves this September. Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders . Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-By-Do-Gooders. Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast is part of the Thursdeighties family of podcasts, created and produced by Billiam Klavon (billiam@thursdeighties.com) from his nostalgia-filled basement office and studio. © Thursdeighties 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Jun 18

    Thursdeighties Episode 30: Star Trek at 60 with Doug Drexler, Part II

    Welcome to episode 30 of the Thursdeighties podcast! In this episode I continue my conversation with Academy Award winning make-up artist and Star Trek super-fan Doug Drexler, whose career has moved at warp speed since the day he decided to pursue his dream of working in movies and television. Doug's story begins where so many great eighties stories do — with passion, hustle, and a dream that everyone else probably thought was crazy. Trained under makeup master Dick Smith, Drexler worked his way through some of the decade's most iconic films, from The Hunger and Starman to Manhunter and Fatal Attraction. Then came Dick Tracy, and with it, an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Saturn Award for his jaw-dropping character makeup on the film's rogues' gallery. But for Doug, the real dream was always Star Trek. From letter-writing superfan in the late 60s to designing the iconic Enterprise NX-01 herself in the early 2000s - and on to the reimagined Battlestar Galactica, as well as Seth MacFarlane's Star Trek homage series The Orville - Doug has proven time and time again that he is an artist who has literally never stopped dreaming. Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders . #DougDrexler #Thursdeighties #80sPodcast #GenXPodcast #NostalgiaPodcast #StarTrek #StarTrekDesign #StarTrekEnterprise #StarTrekTNG #StarTrekDS9 #StarTrekVoyager #NX01 #SciFiDesign #SpaceshipDesign #HollywoodMakeup #SpecialEffectsMakeup #DickTracy #OscarWinner #AcademyAward #MakeupArtist #DickSmith #80sScienceFiction #80sFilm #ClassicSciFi #StarTrekFans #Trekkie #Trekker #SFX #VFX #TVHistory #HollywoodLegend Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-By-Do-Gooders. Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast is part of the Thursdeighties family of podcasts, created and produced by Billiam Klavon (billiam@thursdeighties.com) from his nostalgia-filled basement office and studio. © Thursdeighties 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jun 4

    Thursdeighties Episode 29: Star Trek at 60 with Doug Drexler, Part I

    "Life moves pretty fast..." - and on the 29th episode of the Thursdeighties podcast, I talk to Academy Award winner Doug Drexler, whose career has moved at warp speed since the day he decided to pursue his dream of working in movies and television. Doug's story begins where so many great eighties stories do — with passion, hustle, and a dream that everyone else probably thought was crazy. Trained under makeup master Dick Smith, Drexler worked his way through some of the decade's most iconic films, from The Hunger and Starman to Manhunter and Fatal Attraction. Then came Dick Tracy, and with it, an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a Saturn Award for his jaw-dropping character makeup on the film's rogues' gallery. But for Doug, the real dream was always Star Trek. From letter-writing superfan in the late 60s to designing the iconic Enterprise NX-01 herself in the early 2000s - and on to the reimagined Battlestar Galactica, as well as Seth MacFarlane's Star Trek homage series The Orville - Doug has proven time and time again that he is an artist who has literally never stopped dreaming. And I am HERE FOR IT! Join me? Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders . Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-By-Do-Gooders. Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast is part of the Thursdeighties family of podcasts, created and produced by Billiam Klavon (billiam@thursdeighties.com) from his nostalgia-filled basement office and studio. © Thursdeighties 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Apr 30

    Thursdeighties Episode 28: Cruz-in' with A Martinez

    Episode 28 of Thursdeighties features Emmy-award winning actor, writer, singer, and social activist A Martinez! A's extraordinary career spans more than five decades - and no matter what role he has inhabited, he has brought (and continues to bring) depth, charisma, and authenticity. His humanity and compassion shines bright. You may know him from his iconic role as Cruz Castillo, from 1984-1992, on the long-running soap opera Santa Barbara - a performance that earned him a Daytime Emmy Award. Beyond daytime television, A Martinez has made his mark across a wide range of genres, from his early breakout role in the 1972 John Wayne western The Cowboys (along with the television series that followed, which was based on the movie)...to memorable appearances in Columbo, The Incredible Hulk, Hart to Hart, Remington Steele, Whiz Kids (one of my personal favorites), and L.A. Law. In recent years you will find him continuing to deliver powerful performances in series such as Longmire, Blue Ridge, and Dark Winds. In fact, Dark Winds (which can be found on AMC/AMC+) recently wrapped up its 4th season, and the 5th season is currently in production for 2027 release - and season 5 will feature A's character, Sheriff Gordon Sena, in a BIG way. A has also long been a proud and prominent Latino voice in Hollywood, helping to pave the way for greater representation on screen. Warm, talented, and endlessly versatile, he is a true original whose work continues to resonate with fans across generations. And I could listen to his voice, and the great stories he has to tell, All. Day. Long. I think you'll agree! Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders . Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-By-Do-Gooders. Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast is part of the Thursdeighties family of podcasts, created and produced by Billiam Klavon (billiam@thursdeighties.com) from his nostalgia-filled basement office and studio. © Thursdeighties 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Apr 16

    Thursdeighties Episode 27: Ghost Stories with Dr. Charles Pellegrino

    In Episode 27 of Thursdeighties I celebrate the 40th anniversary of the discovery of the legendary RMS Titanic on the ocean floor back in September, 1985. Okay, I'm a few months late, but doesn't one of the rules of social etiquette say that I have up to a year to celebrate? And who better to celebrate with than one of my favorite science authors, and fellow Titanic-obsessive, Dr. Charles Pellegrino, whose most recent book, GHOSTS OF HIROSHIMA, is being turned into a motion picture by none other than James Cameron! Dr. Pellegrino, as he does in many of his books, takes me on a voyage to our planet's ancient past, the mysteries of life on the ocean floor and the icy moons of Jupiter, the mind-bending world of the quantum realm, the folly of man trying to subvert nature, a near-death experience while diving with James Cameron to the RMS Titanic...and let's not forget inspiring the science behind Jurassic Park. For decades I have been reading Dr. Pellegrino's books - what an extraordinary bibliography! - watching him on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and other science-related shows, and using his work (Ghosts of Vesuvius, in particular) to guide my travels. Now I get to share his voice, expertise, and passion with you - give it a listen! Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders. Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-By-Do-Gooders. Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast is part of the Thursdeighties family of podcasts, created and produced by Billiam Klavon (billiam@thursdeighties.com) from his nostalgia-filled basement office and studio. © Thursdeighties 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Mar 5

    Thursdeighties Episode 26: Behind the Scenes with John and Mary Jo Tenuto, Part II

    Episode 26 of Thursdeighties welcomes back acclaimed sociology professors, pop culture historians, and Star Trek/Star Wars luminaries John and Maria Jose Tenuto to talk about their book, The Star Wars Radio Dramas: Brian Daley and the Serialization That Saved NPR...and witnessing the changing landscape of higher education over their decades-long careers as teachers. If you were raised on radio, love theater of the mind, believe Han really DID shoot first - you are in for a treat! Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-By-Do-Gooders. Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast is part of the Thursdeighties family of podcasts, created and produced by Billiam Klavon (billiam@thursdeighties.com) from his nostalgia-filled basement office and studio. © Thursdeighties 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Feb 19

    Thursdeighties Episode 25: Behind the Scenes with John and Maria Jose Tenuto, Part I

    Season 3 of Thursdeighties is ready to boldly go! Episode 25 of Thursdeighties welcomes acclaimed sociology professors, pop culture historians, and Star Trek luminaries John and Maria Jose Tenuto to talk about their books documenting the making of Star Trek II and Star Trek III — the films that turned a fading TV property into an emotional, cinematic powerhouse. From studio uncertainty to unforgettable creative decisions, the conversation explores how passion, fandom, and a little 80s risk-taking gave us one of the greatest sci-fi runs ever put on screen - a run that is as strong today in 2026 (Star Trek's 60th anniversary year) as ever. If you’ve ever shouted the word “KHAAAN!” at an inopportune moment, or bought into the idea that the needs of one - Spock - outweighed the needs of the many, then Episode 25 of Thursdeighties is for you! Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-By-Do-Gooders. Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast is part of the Thursdeighties family of podcasts, created and produced by Billiam Klavon (billiam@thursdeighties.com) from his nostalgia-filled basement office and studio. © Thursdeighties 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 12/18/2025

    Thursdeighties Episode 24: Growing Up Serling with Jeff Serling

    In Episode 24 of Thursdeighties I shoot the s*** with Jeff Serling, son of author Robert Serling and nephew of television legend Rod Serling. Jeff and I revisit our common 80s experience and fandom, and he gives me the low-down on what it was like to grow up carrying one of the most iconic names in American storytelling. Jeff reflects on the weight and wonder of the Serling legacy, sharing personal stories that reveal Rod and Robert not as cultural giants, but as family: thoughtful, principled, and deeply committed to craft. Our conversation explores identity, expectation, and the quiet ways a creative legacy shapes a life...often less through fame than through values, curiosity, and an enduring belief in the power of words. Jeff also sits on the board of directors of the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated the promotion and preservation of Rod Serling's contributions to the Arts and Humanities. Give us a listen! Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-by-Do-Gooders. Sponsored by Anthology for Books and Drive-By-Do-Gooders. Thursdeighties: The Greatest Decade Podcast is part of the Thursdeighties family of podcasts, created and produced by Billiam Klavon (billiam@thursdeighties.com) from his nostalgia-filled basement office and studio. © Thursdeighties 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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5
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7 Ratings

About

The Thursdeighties podcastwill explore memories of, and talk about the impact of, the 80’s - the good as well as the bad. I was 11 years old at the start of that decade, living in my rural hometown in middle America - Geneseo, Illinois - and I was 21, living in Chicago, by the decade’s end. The years between will live in my memory forever. Every day I am reminded of how they changed our world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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